The National Weather Service has issued a gale warning for much of Michigan's west coast -- Saint Joseph to Manistee -- that will remain in effect until 5 a.m. Saturday. The warning was upgraded from a small-craft advisory that had been issued overnight.

Southwest winds of 40-45 knots will kick waves up as high as 13 feet throughout the day. The warning contains the following advisory for watercraft operators:

Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.